It's Round and It's White
League Two team of the season- 2011-12
Here is my team of the season for League 2 based on players that have played for or against Crewe Alex over the season.
Goalkeeper
Neal Kitson- Northampton Town
The American was making his debut in March this year when the Cobblers faced the Alex this season. After making numerous saves to keep Town in the game he then saved an injury time penalty to deny Danny Shelley and Crewe of three points. The American shot stopper will be a consistent performer in League Two if he stays with Northampton.
Defence
Right Back- Matt Tootle- Crewe Alexandra
Although spending a lot of the season at left back and finishing the season on the left wing the young defender is by far the most technically gifted full back in the league. He has had a solid season playing 44 games for the Railwaymen and of course featuring in the Play-Off Final at Wembley to help the Alex secure promotion.
Centre Back- Kyle McFadzean- Crawley Town
Tough tackling defender who helped Crawley secure a 1-1 draw with Crewe at Gresty Road with a solid performance at the back. Just a solid defender which is has been the basis of the Crawley success story over the last two seasons. Strikers know that they are up for a fight when facing the former Sheffield United man.
Centre Back- Bilel Mohsni- Southend United
Played in every position for Paul Sturrock’s men this season and he has scored 13 goals including three against Crewe in the four encounters this season. A solid player and a gentleman and by far Southend’s biggest threat when they have played the Railwaymen this season. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him playing at a higher level soon.
Left Back- Onismor Bhasera- Plymouth Argyle
Solid left back who attacked well against us in South Cheshire in January. Although Plymouth conceded three that day, I still feel he had a good game and I wouldn’t mind seeing him in red in the future as the left back position at Crewe has been vacant for some time now.
Midfield
Right Wing- Ashley Hemmings- Plymouth Argyle
By far Argyle’s biggest threat when the Green Army played Crewe in January whilst on loan from Wolves. The lively pacey winger showed great ability on and off the ball that day and caused the Crewe defence problems with some exiting runs. Walsall have grabbed themselves a good signing following his release from Wolves at the end of the 2011-12 season.
Centre Midfield- Nick Powell- Crewe Alexandra
When Sir Alex Ferguson comes to watch on numerous occasions, you know you must be a good player. Powell has shown great ability in his first season as a professional with an impressive goal tally. His most memorable goal will be his Wembley stunner and a transfer to Manchester United for an Undisclosed fee was thoroughly deserved. Matured after his sending off against Shrewsbury and has gone from strength to strength after his first goal away at AFC Wimbledon.
Centre Midfield- Marlon Pack- Cheltenham Town
Promising midfielder who shows a lot of potential in the games he plays. At Wembley he was driving the Robins forward looking for the equaliser and he is a technically gifted player. Portsmouth should be disappointed to have let him go to Cheltenham. He could definitely play at a higher level.
Left Wing- Kevin Ellison- Morecambe
A robust winger who won everything in the air when Morecambe visited Crewe in January and it was his goal that day which secured the win for Morecambe who were the last team to taste success at the Alexandra Stadium during the 2011-12 campaign. Brilliant player for League Two as he can throw himself about and get involved when things are not going well, as well as showing flare and skill when going forward.
Strikers
Adebayo Akinfenwa- Northampton Town
The big striker never fails to impress me every time I see him play, he always scores against Crewe. Gets a lot of abuse for his size but has shown his worth by finishing as the league’s joint top scorer. He is an invaluable player for Northampton this season who will attract attention from other clubs due to his proven goal record at this level.
Rene Howe- Torquay United
His goal at Gresty Road gets him into my team alone. His overall game play gave Crewe problems during a 3-0 victory for Martin Ling’s men. He was the player I feared the most during Crewe’s late surge to the play-offs. Over the season I have seen the importance of a target man up front. Crewe don’t play like that but teams that have visited us this season with a target man have always caused problems.
Substitutes
Steve Phillips- Crewe Alexandra- Hasn’t missed a single minute of action all season and has been Mr Consistent
Clarke Carlisle- Northampton Town- Great role model- solid performance against Crewe as well this season
Ryan Hall- Southend United- Technically gifted player with a good left foot, caused Crewe problems in the play-off games
Lee Mansell- Torquay United- Scored against Crewe at Gresty Road and also earned a place in the official League Two team of the year.
James Hanson- Bradford City- Strong striker who played well against us at Gresty Road and he also scored a brace at Valley Parade on Boxing Day
